Oculus fires back at IP theft claims: ‘Zenimax has never contributed any IP or technology to Oculus,’ never made claims pre-Facebook purchase
When word came out last week that Oculus VR chief technology officer John Carmack was being accused by his former employer of stealing intellectual property for use in his new gig, the nascent Facebook subsidiary only issue a cursory statement: “It’s unfortunate, but when there’s this type of transaction, people come out of the woodwork with ridiculous and absurd claims. We intend to vigorously defend Oculus and its investors to the fullest extent.” The company’s expanding on that statement today, and pushing back on the claims made by Zenimax.
“We are disappointed but not surprised by Zenimax’s actions and we will prove that all of its claims are false,” the statement from Oculus reads. The company then lays out a list of refutations to Zenimax’s claims. Some highlights:
- There is not a line of Zenimax code or any of its technology in any Oculus products.
- Zenimax did not pursue claims against Oculus for IP or technology, Zenimax has never contributed any IP or technology to Oculus, and only after the Facebook deal was announced has Zenimax now made these claims through its lawyers.
Further, Oculus’ statements outs some interesting details about the history of Zenimax working with Palmer Luckey on VR in the past few years. For instance, Oculus claims that, “A key reason that John permanently left Zenimax in August of 2013 was that Zenimax prevented John from working on VR, and stopped investing in VR games across the company.” Interestingly, though Carmack’s departure from id Software (a development studio he co-founded, now owned by Zenimax Media) was announced in August 2013, both Oculus and Zenimax danced around the terms of the arrangement. It wasn’t until November of last year that Carmack supposedly joined Oculus full-time/left id Software completely.
Folks who’ve been following the Oculus story from the beginning will remember a promised Doom 3 BFG version that was set to ship with the original Kickstarter Oculus Rift. That bonus was eventually canned, and replaced with credit on Valve’s Steam game store. According to today’s statement from Oculus, “Zenimax canceled VR support for Doom 3 BFG when Oculus refused Zenimax’s demands for a non-dilutable equity stake in Oculus.”
That last bit means, “Oculus didn’t want to give Zenimax as much of an ownership stake in Oculus as Zenimax wanted, so Zenimax pulled support for a Rift-related product.” So, arguments over money then.
One last bit that Oculus points out is that the full Oculus SDK is online (available here), and “Zenimax has never identified any ‘stolen’ code or technology” in that source. That sounds like a job for the internet! Do you folks see any code in there that stands out? Feel free to let us know!
Iran censors move to block WhatsApp because it’s run by ‘zionist’ Zuckerberg
There’s a tug of war going on between political factions in Iran, and once again it’s internet users who are likely to bear the brunt of it. According to the Israeli newspaper Haaretz, Iranian censors have suddenly decided to ban citizens from using WhatsApp, in direct defiance of more progressive government ministers who say they’re against such a move. There’s no concrete evidence that any block or filtering is in place yet, and even President Hassan Rouhani has tweeted his objection to it, but Iran’s “Committee for Determining Criminal Web Content” has reportedly called for the popular messaging service to be prohibited on the basis that it’s now “owned” [sic] by the “American zionist” Mark Zuckerberg (who’s background is Jewish).
Aside from the well-worn premise of anti-zionism (whatever that means, exactly), a simpler explanation might be that WhatsApp is considered a threat to Iran’s conservative establishment, in much the same way as its parent company is. After all, both Twitter and Facebook were banned in 2009 after being used to organize mass protests against the hardline former president, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. A rival messaging service, WeChat, was also recently banned in Iran, despite having no obvious connection to Jews, Israel or zionism.
Filed under: Cellphones, Internet, Mobile
Source: Haaretz
Recommended Reading: Sound, noise and Xbox in Hollywood
Recommended Reading highlights the best long-form writing on technology and more in print and on the web. Some weeks, you’ll also find short reviews of books that we think are worth your time. We hope you enjoy the read.
Sonic Boom
by Megan Garber, The AtlanticPocket!function(d,i)if(!d.getElementById(i))var j=d.createElement(“script”);j.id=i;j.src=”https://widgets.getpocket.com/v1/j/btn.js?v=1″;var w=d.getElementById(i);d.body.appendChild(j);(document,”pocket-btn-js”);
Over the course of centuries, our notions of sound and noise have changed dramatically, and technology has played a large part in that. Through the lens of a Bourbon Street uproar and the history of ordinances, The Atlantic’s Megan Garber hashes out the transformation. There’s a look at how municipalities might design urban areas to cater to the public’s varied sonic sensibilities and how appliances are built to sound a certain way when in use.
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NBA Y2K If you’ve seen any installment of Jon Bois’ Breaking Madden series for SB Nation, you know how a hobby of staging insane matchups by creating players in Madden 25 turned into a stellar weekly column. Now, Bois has taken to NBA 2K14 during the playoffs to do the same. Highlights so far include OutKast joining the Atlanta Hawks to score a combined 404 points and the return of BM favorite Clarence BEEFTANK as a key piece for the Memphis Grizzlies. If you’re into sports games, trust me, you’ll see one and you’re hooked. Pocket!function(d,i)if(!d.getElementById(i))var j=d.createElement(“script”);j.id=i;j.src=”https://widgets.getpocket.com/v1/j/btn.js?v=1″;var w=d.getElementById(i);d.body.appendChild(j);(document,”pocket-btn-js”); |
Microsoft Xbox Struggles in Big Hollywood Foray The Halo series that’s to be produced by Steven Spielberg was announced last May, and we’ve yet to hear any details, a release timeline or even peep a video teaser for the project. Sure, we’ve heard about Ridley Scott’s effort, but as for the main feature? Not much. This piece from Re/code takes a look at what’s going on behind the scenes, while we wait for Scott’s likely much shorter digital feature to premiere in November. Until then, we’re left watching Master Chief’s console-based exploits. Pocket!function(d,i)if(!d.getElementById(i))var j=d.createElement(“script”);j.id=i;j.src=”https://widgets.getpocket.com/v1/j/btn.js?v=1″;var w=d.getElementById(i);d.body.appendChild(j);(document,”pocket-btn-js”); |
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How Facebook is Streamlining the Web Facebook’s annual F8 event took place this past week, and the most notable announcements had little to do with new app reveals or major feature introductions. Many of the important tweaks came in the form of small changes aimed at improving the experience across desktop and mobile usage. As Mark Wilson writes, “Facebook wants to knock down the walls separating our phones and desktops, and our apps and web pages.” Pocket!function(d,i)if(!d.getElementById(i))var j=d.createElement(“script”);j.id=i;j.src=”https://widgets.getpocket.com/v1/j/btn.js?v=1″;var w=d.getElementById(i);d.body.appendChild(j);(document,”pocket-btn-js”); |
This is What a WWE Raw Script Looks Like At some point, anyone who’s seen a pro wrestling match has wondered whether or not it’s fake. Well, thanks to a post from Deadspin this week, we can finally set our minds at ease. What’s interesting is that while the outcomes are in fact scripted, how the two wrestlers reach the final bell is left up to them. |
[Image credit: Leon Morris/Redferns via Getty Images]
Filed under: Misc
Engadget Daily: Google’s modular smartphone, Kevin Spacey stars in COD, and more!
You might say the day is never really done in consumer technology news. Your workday, however, hopefully draws to a close at some point. This is the Daily Roundup on Engadget, a quick peek back at the top headlines for the past 24 hours — all handpicked by the editors here at the site. Click on through the break, and enjoy.
Here’s how Google’s modular phone will get its 3D-printed parts
Project Aura faces plenty of obstacles. But one of the biggest will be finding a way to manufacture millions of specialized smartphone modules while keeping costs down. Thankfully, the experts at 3D Systems have a plan.
Popular login services have a security hole, but Facebook and Microsoft can’t fix it
Wang Jing, a researcher from Singapore, claims to have discovered a potentially serious security hole involving OAuth and OpenID login services. Jing alerted Facebook and others, but it appears impossible for any of these companies to singlehandledly squash the bug.
Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare is this year’s entry, starring Kevin Spacey
The first trailer for Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare is out. And interestingly enough, the House of Cards actor Kevin Spacey appears to be cast as a (surprise, surprise) powerful, politically driven antihero.
LG’s G3 breaks cover with narrow bezels, redesigned back button
What do we know about LG’s upcoming G3 smartphone? Well, according to a tipster and leaked photos from GSM Arena, it appears the handset will be made of plastic, have 2 or 3GB of RAM and a 3,000mAh battery. As long as it comes with that Quad HD display we’ll be happy.
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Filed under: Misc
Popular login services have a security hole, but Facebook and Microsoft can’t fix it
The recent Heartbleed scare caused a huge stir, even though it was effectively fixed before it even happened. There are other sorts of security hole, however, which can’t be plugged so readily, and which affected companies therefore have less incentive to publicize. A researcher in Singapore, Wang Jing, claims to have uncovered a potentially serious example of this, involving the widely-used login services OAuth and OpenID. He says that he’s tried to alert major web services that rely on these platforms, including Facebook, Microsoft and Google, but they’re refusing to take responsibility for the issue.
If exploited, the vulnerability inside OAuth and OpenID could reportedly allow a malicious website to use a genuine website — such as Facebook.com — to authorize its illicit requests for personal information. Any pop-ups shown to the user, asking for their approval, would also appear to be coming from the genuine site. According CNET, Google says it’s “tracking the issue,” Facebook says it’s aware of the problem but solving it is “something that can’t be accomplished in the short-term,” and Microsoft says it can’t fix something that “exists on the domain of a third party.”
Other security analysts have corroborated Jing’s central finding, but some have described it as a “known WONTFIX” or as a fundamental problem with web security as a whole. Either way, the best advice is to be wary of following links that immediately ask you to login to Google or Facebook, and to close the tab if this happens, in order to prevent redirects. As ever, just don’t assume that the sites and services you use every day are necessarily safe — in the future, we could well look back on these years as the Wild West era of the internet.
[Image credit: Gamma Man/Flickr]
Filed under: Internet, Software, Microsoft, Google, Facebook
Source: CNET
Apple, Facebook and Google will tell you when the government wants your data
The companies that asked the US government for permission to publish federal data requests last year have apparently lost their patience waiting for a reply. Apple, Facebook, Google and Microsoft are updating their privacy policies to expand the types of disclosure notifications they give individual users about how often and when the government requests their data. As The Washington Post tells it, the tech companies will only reign themselves in in the event that they receive gag orders from a judge or someone else with legal authority. Naturally, the government isn’t too keen on this and the Department of Justice worries that this could give criminals under investigation ample time to flee or even destroy any evidence that could be used against them.
Google updated its policy this week, adding that data is only withheld when there’s “imminent risk” of physical harm to a potential crime victim, while an Apple spokesperson said that later this month the company will update its policies so it can notify customers in “most cases” when law enforcement requests their personal information. Neither Apple nor The Social Network or Redmond, however, have finalized their updates just yet. If it helps you sleep a little better at night, the Post reports that companies that notify their users have a little more sway with the fuzz: apparently investigators would rather drop their data requests entirely rather than suspects learn they’re being watched.
[Image credit: Google/YouTube]
Filed under: Internet, Apple, Microsoft, Google, Facebook
Source: Washington Post
Engadget Daily: Facebook anonymous login, Hulu adds free mobile content, and more!
You might say the day is never really done in consumer technology news. Your workday, however, hopefully draws to a close at some point. This is the Daily Roundup on Engadget, a quick peek back at the top headlines for the past 24 hours — all handpicked by the editors here at the site. Click on through the break, and enjoy.
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Facebook will let you log in anonymously to third-party apps
If you’re wary of logging into third party apps with your Facebook credentials, you’ll be happy to know that an anonymous option now exists: the apps won’t remember your username or password. In doing so, you won’t be able to share anything to your wall, but it does provide a safer way to try out new apps.
Nintendo bundling Wii U with two games and an extra controller for $330 on May 30th
Do you really love Mario Kart but need an an incredibly good excuse to buy a Wii U? At the end of May, you’ll be able to grab a Wii bundled with the racing series’ eighth entry, an extra Wii Remote Plus gamepad and a free download of one of four games — for only $329.99.
Motorola’s first post-Google phone is coming on May 13th
It looks like Motorola has one more surprise up its sleeve before Lenovo takes over, and it might be the alleged Moto E. Earlier today, the company invited us to a new smartphone event in London on May 13th.
Hulu will bring free TV shows to your phone, and it’s trying to reach your cable box
Today, Hulu announced that it’s bringing a selection of add-supported shows to mobile users for free streaming, regardless of whether or not they have a Plus account. The app’s also in line for few new ad-based developments, one of which will let you order pizza without leaving the latest episode of Brooklyn Nine-Nine.
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Filed under: Misc
Facebook debuts anonymous and selective login features
Facebook is upping their privacy options for users that don’t feel comfortable logging into the social network for everything. Let’s take a look at some of the new features Facebook is rolling out.
Anonymous Login
When users download an app, much of the time, there is a “login with Facebook” option. But wait, I just downloaded this app… I don’t even know if I like it, let alone trust it. Why should I give them my personal information already?
Facebook now has you covered, if you run into this problem frequently. Once users learn more about the app they’re using, they will have the ability to share more information, if need be. Facebook are currently testing out the new login procedures with a few select developers for now, but will likely roll it out to everyone in the near future.
Take a look at the short walkthrough for Anonymous Login:
Revamped Facebook Login
When an application would like to use your Facebook information, you’ve never really had a choice to what the can or cannot access. With this new Login feature, users can now alter what exactly the app has access to. You don’t want the app to have access to your friends list? Simply uncheck it from the list… it’s that easy!
Here’s another short walkthrough video explaining a bit more:
Users should begin seeing changes as Facebook moves forward with the new Login features.
Source: Facebook
The post Facebook debuts anonymous and selective login features appeared first on AndroidGuys.
Facebook Messenger for Android updated with host of features
Facebook recently updated its Messenger application for Android devices with the same feature set and UI dished to the iPhone earlier in the week. Details include the ability to send videos from the camera roll as well as instant video playback in conversation threads. Additionally, the new 5.0 release of the app makes it easier for sending photos directly from a conversation, shortcuts to stickers, better search, and general performance tweaks. Facebook is expected to soon remove messaging function from the standard Facebook mobile apps in favor of the Facebook Messenger application.
- More ways to message: Now it’s easier to send photos, voice messages and more
- Video: Send videos from your gallery and play them right in the app. (Works on Android 4.3 and up. We’ll continue to improve video and bring it to more phones.)
- Instant photo sharing: Take a photo and send it in just one tap.
- Stickers shortcuts: When someone sends you a sticker, press and hold down on it to get the pack.
- Faster search: Just enter the names of people and groups
The post Facebook Messenger for Android updated with host of features appeared first on AndroidGuys.
Facebook Messenger now lets you share videos and photos in an instant
Just weeks after notifying its users that Messenger will be a standalone app, Facebook has updated it with a slew of new options that makes it a whole lot faster to send a media file. Now when you start a message with someone, you’ll see an array of options underneath the text entry field that’ll allow you to snap a photo, select an image or video from your camera roll, choose a sticker, or record a voice message to include in your conversation. You can view that video and listen to the recording within the app as well.
But here’s the catch — almost anything that you choose will be sent instantly with no chance for you to preview it beforehand. For example, snapping a photo will send that pic immediately, as will recording a voice message or picking a sticker. This is pretty counterintuitive to most messaging apps — even Snapchat lets you preview a pic before transmitting it. In our few minutes testing the app, we’ve already accidentally sent selfies and voice recordings to people without realizing it. The one exception seems to be when choosing a photo or video from your phone’s Camera Roll, where it’ll at least prompt you to press and hold the image to preview it. We can foresee this being a problem, at least initially, as users get acquainted with how the new Messenger app works.
Other features of the new Messenger include improved search and the ability to download a sticker pack by pressing and holding a sticker someone sent you. Right now Facebook Messenger 5.0 is only available for iOS, but the update should be rolling out to Android this week as well.
Filed under: Cellphones, Software, Mobile, Apple, Facebook
Source: Facebook Messenger (iTunes)
AIVAnet 